David Hand is the son of the director of 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. According to Hand, both his father and Walt Disney would not think highly of the latest Disney live-action remake. The film stars Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and will release in 2024.
The upcoming live-action remake of Snow White has been the subject of much chatter from both fans and critics of the original animated film. Peter Dinklage, who has achondroplasia, has been a vocal critic of both. But for those who treasure the original, Hand says the remake is showing disrespect.
David Hand adds his voice to the heated debate
Hand’s father, who was also named David, served as supervising director in the original animated Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
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“They change the stories, they change the thought processes of the characters, they just aren’t the original stories anymore,” he critiqued. “They’re making up new woke things and I’m just not into any of that.”
Rachel Zegler has been subject to significant racist backlash since being cast as Snow White. However, she has amplified the positive feedback she has received; fans have noted she is extremely qualified for the job. She said she was “extremely appreciative of the love i feel from those defending me online, but please don’t tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting. On Twitter, she went on to share photos to spark further joy and positivity.
David Hand says his father and Walt Disney would not like the new ‘Snow White’
He continued, “I mean, it’s a whole different concept, and I just totally disagree with it, and I know my dad and Walt would also very much disagree with it. There’s no respect for what Disney did and what my dad did… I think Walt and he would be turning in their graves.”
Unofficial production photos appeared to show Snow White no longer exclusively featuring dwarfs, instead having a diverse group of individuals.
extremely appreciative of the love i feel from those defending me online, but please don’t tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting.
i really, truly do not want to see it.
so i leave you w these photos! i hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what pic.twitter.com/AU5PjJutK5
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) July 15, 2023
Disney issued a statement to Deadline explaining the live-action film’s casting and storytelling.
“To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community.” This followed a back-and-forth with Game of Thrones star Dinklage, who criticized the film for keeping dwarfs in a stereotypical role of comedic whimsy. In response to the production photos going viral, critics slammed the absence of individuals with dwarfism who might have had a high-profile film gig.
Will you be watching 2024’s Snow White?